By Juliet Umeh
A new report by Google and Ipsos has revealed that 93 per cent of Nigerians now use artificial intelligence, AI, to learn and understand complex topics, significantly higher than the global average of 74 per cent.
The findings are contained in the “Our Life with AI” 2026 report, which shows that AI has become an essential tool across Nigeria’s learning, work and entrepreneurial ecosystems. From students breaking down difficult academic concepts to professionals upgrading skills and business owners testing new ideas, Nigerians are increasingly leveraging AI as a catalyst for personal and economic advancement.
Beyond education, the report reveals that 88 per cent of Nigerian adults have used an AI chatbot, representing an 18-percentage-point increase from the previous year and placing Nigeria far ahead of the global average of 62 per cent. The report notes that unlike many regions where AI adoption remains largely experimental, Nigeria stands out for its purpose-driven use of the technology to solve real-world challenges.
Commenting on the findings, Communications and Public Affairs Manager, Google West Africa, Mr. Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, said the data reflects how Nigerians are actively shaping their future with technology.
“It’s inspiring to see how Nigerians are creatively and purposefully using AI to unlock new opportunities for learning, growth and economic empowerment,” Kola-Ogunlade said.
“This report goes beyond high adoption rates; it tells the story of a nation using AI as a tool to accelerate progress and achieve its ambitions. At Google, we remain committed to ensuring AI remains helpful and accessible to everyone.”
The report further shows that AI has become deeply embedded in Nigeria’s world of work. About 91 per cent of Nigerians use AI to assist with their jobs, while 80 per cent rely on the technology to explore new business ideas or career changes, nearly double the global average of 42 percent.
In education, optimism remains particularly strong. According to the report, 91 per cent of Nigerians believe AI is having a positive impact on how people learn and access information, compared to about 65 per cent globally, while 95 per cent believe university students and educators are likely to benefit from AI.
Overall sentiment toward AI in Nigeria is also markedly positive. The report shows that 80 per cent of Nigerians are excited about the possibilities of AI, compared with just 20 per cent who are more concerned. This optimism rises to 90 percent among Nigerians who use AI frequently in their daily lives, contrasting sharply with the more divided global outlook.
The “Our Life with AI: Helpfulness in the Hands of More People” survey was conducted by Ipsos between September 22 and October 10, 2025, on behalf of Google, using a sample of about 1,000 Nigerian adults aged 18 and above, representing the country’s online population.
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